My Plea to Pittsburghers

First, I'd like to apologize to my reader (if I've even got one left at this point) for being away from this blog for so long. I'm still passionately following the 'Sport of Kings' as if it were my first born's Little League team - I just don't haven't had the urge to share my opinions with the world. Since we last communicated, I've jumped into the worlds of post-graduate life, online wagering, and Twitter, however more on those at a later date.

My reason for writing today is to ask something of you. Now, I'd like to start off by saying I hate asking anything of anybody - be it a ride somewhere, a day off work, or even just an extra side of ranch dressing with my french fries - you get the picture. I hate putting others out. But I feel my plea to you today is different. This is something that I feel so passionate about, and something that I KNOW you'll have a good time doing, that I guarantee it'll be worth your time. Next Saturday, August 1, an athlete at the pinnacle of his sport will be competing against his peers at a venue less than an hour outside of downtown Pittsburgh...and I'm guessing you know nothing about it.

Mine That Bird is his name, and he's obviously not a human being, but an animal. A thoroughbred racehorse, to be exact. But before you click away from this page, just hear me out for a few moments. If what I'm asking doesn't sound like your cup of tea, what exactly have you lost by reading? Exactly - nothing. I'm confident in saying that you've heard of the Kentucky Derby - "The Run for the Roses," "The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports" - and are aware of all the glitz and glamour that goes along with it. Held anually on the First Saturday in May for well over a century, the Kentucky Derby brings together the best 20 three-year-old thoroughbreds in the country to compete for a $2,000,000 prize, a blanket of roses, and instant notoriety. It's the Super Bowl, World Series, Stanley Cup Finals, Daytona 500, and Masters of horse racing, all wrapped up in one 2-minute race. This year, the winner of the Kentucky Derby was a diminutive gelding named Mine That Bird, and next Saturday Mine That Bird will become the first Kentucky Derby winner to compete in the state of West Virginia.

Now I know what you're thinking, 'I'm not driving to West Virginia to watch some silly horse run.' But I can assure you, it's more than that. The race will be held at the Mountaineer Racetrack and Gaming Resort, which according to Google Maps, is just 54 minutes from downtown. So distance shouldn't be too big of a concern. But what about costs? Well, you've got parking. That's free. And admission. Also free. Concessions must be through the roof, right? It's cheaper than going to a Pirates game. How about betting? There's absolutely no obligation to bet one horse race, pull one slot, or play one hand of blackjack. So essentially what I'm saying is that this can cost you a little as a few gallons of gasoline. And the day isn't just limited to one horse race. Starting at 2:00 in the afternoon, horses will race about every half hour through the evening. The 'big' race itself, the West Virginia Derby which features Mine That Bird, as well as some of his most talented peers, will be run just after 5:00. If you can't attend, it will be broadcast live on Fox Sports Net Pittsburgh from 5-6pm.

I really want to stress that this is an event that ALL ages can enjoy. Kids will love that you can get so close to the action - it's literally only a couple of feet away. And if they're really lucky they'll have the opportunity to pet one of the thoroughbreds that 'pony' on the track (essentially their riders are there to escort the racehorses to the starting gate and react in the rare case that something goes amiss on the track) before and during the races. Parents will love that it's such a low-cost form of entertainment. Some will love the fast-paced world of horse racing, and others will love the thrill of the risk in putting a couple bucks on a horse or two, looking to make a bit of a profit. You'll love the opportunity to see the majesty of the thoroughbred, and the history that goes along with Saturday's West Virginia Derby.

My advice to you - show up early with your foldable chair, pick a great spot next to the rail, have lunch or an early dinner, maybe a beer or two, and enjoy an exciting and memorable day of horse racing. You'll enjoy it - I promise.

For more information, please visit the official website of the Mountaineer Racetrack & Gaming Resort (http://www.mtrgaming.com/). For a video of Mine That Bird's Kentucky Derby win, please follow this link, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hv8x9x5A49s, but don't blink or you'll miss him!

So why not come out and give Mine That Bird a good ole Pittsburgh welcome? I hope to see you at the track!